At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a high-performing Accounts Payable team while optimising processes.
- Company: Balfour Beatty delivers vital infrastructure projects that enhance communities and economies.
- Benefits: Enjoy smart working, 25 days leave, family-friendly policies, and a range of perks.
- Why this job: Join a culture of continuous improvement and make a real impact on essential projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior AP roles, strong leadership skills, and excellent communication abilities required.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are key values; we welcome applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the role
Balfour Beatty are currently looking for anAccounts Payable Managerto join our Enabling Functions – Accounting Services team based inQuorum Business Park, Newcastle upon Tyne.
In your role you will be directly responsible for managing and developing a team of Accounts Payable Clerks, ensuring your team provide a first class payables service to the business and contribute to paying our supply chain on time whilst adhering to all processes and controls. You will play a vital role in our continuous improvement journey and work across functions to support our key project deliverables in the P2P space.
What you\’ll be doing
As anAccounts Payable Manageryou\’ll:
Leadership & People Management
- Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing AP team, fostering a culture of accountability,collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Act as a mentor and coach to team leaders and AP staff.
- Drive engagement and performance through clear objectives, feedback, and development plans.
Process Design & Optimisation
- Own and continuously improve the end-to-end Accounts Payable process, ensuring efficiency,scalability, and alignment with business needs.
- Lead automation and digitisation initiatives to streamline invoice processing, approvals, andpayments.
- Implement KPIs and SLAS, driving performance in terms of quantitative and qualitativeassessment against targets
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Procurement, Finance, IT) to enhance upstream anddownstream processes.
Controls & Compliance
- Ensure strong financial controls are embedded across all AP activities, aligned with internal policies and external regulatory requirements.
- Oversee audit readiness, risk mitigation, and compliance key controls frameworks.
- Monitor and report on key AP metrics, SLAs, and KPIs to drive performance and transparency.
Strategic Contribution
- Support the Head of AP in shaping the long-term vision and roadmap for the AP function.
- Represent AP in senior finance forums and cross-functional projects.
- Act as a deputy to the Head of AP, stepping in as needed for leadership and decision-making
Who we\’re looking for
You\’ll have/be:
- Proven experience in a senior AP leadership role within a complex, high-volume environment.
- Demonstrated success in leading and developing mid to large teams.
- Strong background in process design, transformation, and systems implementation (e.g., Oracle)
- Strong understanding of financial controls, risk management, and compliance frameworks.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- An ability to engage and motivate people through periods of change
- Analytic abilities, with high attention to detail and problem solving
- Ability to work under own initiative and prioritise tasks
- IT literate with strong to advanced Excel skills
Desirable
- Experience in shared services or centralised finance environments.
- Experience leading purchase to pay processes
- Oracle R12 system experience
Why work for us
Day in, day out, our teams deliver some of the UK’s most ambitious, exciting and meaningful projects; developing, building and maintaining the vital infrastructure that supports national economies and strengthens communities.
Why join us?
As if contributing to and supporting work that makes life better for millions wasn’t rewarding enough, we offer a full range of benefits too. You’ll have the freedom to shape the package that’s right for you and your life. Here are some of our key benefits:
- Smart working, giving you more flexibility such as staggered start and finish times, with up to 40% remote working, where roles allow.
- 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata)
- Family friendly policies which include 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption leave and four weeks full pay for paternity/partners leave
- Pension, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and much more…
About us
Balfour Beatty Group Enabling Functions are Legal, Finance, IT and Procurement, Communications, Health Safety and Environment, HR and Sustainability. Together, they support delivery of our Build to Last strategy whilst improving efficiencies and standardising our approach, systems and processes.
Diversity and inclusion
At Balfour Beatty we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential components of any successful, happy workplace. Through our Value Everyone Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan, we are growing our diverse workforce and developing our inclusive culture where everyone is able to thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of their identity or background. To find out how we are making this a reality, visitwww.balfourbeatty.com/diversityandinclusion
To help and support us with our desired commitment to create an inclusive culture we are members of WISE, enei, Business Disability Forum and the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE). In 2020, we signed the Audeliss and Involve Open Letter to demonstrate our commitment to taking key long term and sustainable actions on Black Inclusion. Balfour Beatty is also a Gold Award holder in the Ministry of Defence \’Employer Recognition Scheme\’ and actively encourage applications from Armed Forces personnel, veterans and reservists.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to working with people who have disabilities and long-term health conditions to remove barriers for them in obtaining employment. We are also committed to offering applicants with a disability an interview if they meet the minimum requirements for the role. For more info, visit:https://disabilityconfident.campaign.gov.uk/
We are looking to continually improve our resourcing process and ensure that it is fair and inclusive for all. If you have any feedback on the process, please share this with us at:candidaterecruitmentqueries@balfourbeatty.com
For further information, and to apply, please visit our website via the “Apply” button below. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Accounts Payable Manager - Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Balfour Beatty
Contact Detail:
Balfour Beatty Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounts Payable Manager - Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in accounts payable processes, especially around automation and digitisation. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement, which is a key aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the finance and accounts payable sectors, particularly those who have experience with Oracle systems. Engaging with these individuals can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in high-pressure environments. Highlight specific examples where you've driven performance and engagement, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of the Accounts Payable Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Balfour Beatty's recent projects and initiatives, especially those related to financial controls and compliance. Being able to reference these in your discussions will show your genuine interest in the company and how you can contribute to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Accounts Payable Manager - Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in accounts payable management, team leadership, and process optimisation. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and improve processes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention how your background aligns with their needs, particularly in financial controls and stakeholder management. Be sure to include your vision for the Accounts Payable function.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your analytical abilities, attention to detail, and IT literacy, especially with systems like Oracle. Mention any experience you have with KPIs and SLAs, as these are crucial for the role.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Provide examples of how you've successfully led and developed teams in previous roles. Discuss your approach to mentoring and coaching, and how you've driven engagement and performance in your teams.
How to prepare for a job interview at Balfour Beatty
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Accounts Payable Manager, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed and developed teams in the past. Highlight any mentoring or coaching experiences that demonstrate your ability to inspire others.
✨Demonstrate Process Improvement Knowledge
The role requires continuous improvement of the Accounts Payable process. Be ready to talk about specific instances where you've implemented process changes or optimisations. Discuss any experience you have with automation and digitisation initiatives, especially if you've worked with systems like Oracle.
✨Understand Financial Controls and Compliance
A strong understanding of financial controls and compliance frameworks is crucial. Prepare to discuss your experience with risk management and how you've ensured compliance in previous roles. This will show that you can maintain the integrity of the accounts payable function.
✨Engage with Stakeholders Effectively
Excellent stakeholder management is key for this position. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated and collaborated with different departments, such as Procurement or Finance. Show that you can build relationships and drive engagement across functions.